Speed limit on rural roads to rise to 50mph
As someone who spends too large a part of their life on rural roads this article sounds superficially at least like good news. Many rural roads, which have the lethal cocktail of people who are very old driving around to access services in the face of poor public transport and young people driving around in search of socialization have a lethal combination at both ends of the age spectrum. I do wonder if encouraging them to drive faster might have negative unintended consequences?
The speed limit for lorries on rural roads will rise from 40mph to 50mph to reduce tailbacks and the risk of people dying in dangerous overtaking manouvers.
Ministers will today announce that they are ending the “antiquated” speed limit restriction on single-carriageway roads to bring Britain into line with other European countries.
The government will also consult on increasing the speed limit for lorries on dual carriageways from 50mph to 60mph.
Officials believe that move will save hauliers an estimated £11 million a year and “reduce congestion on busy rural roads with large numbers of lorries.”
Claire Perry, the new transport minister, said: “We’re are doing all we can to get Britain moving and boost growth. This change will do exactly that and save our haulage industry millions a year.